You are Audacious

Yesterday we heard an amazing sermon about Elijah, who according to our pastor, had chutzpah. Apparently this can be translated a number of ways, but for the sake of this post, let’s say that Elijah was audacious. He was bold and daring – he had guts.

I grabbed Russ’ hand as our pastor spoke, and my heart was full of love and admiration for him. My engineer, detail-oriented, “get all the facts” husband, was audacious enough to adopt four children. Details were sketchy at best and there were many uncertainties. Russ took risks that were far outside his level of comfort and has made sacrifices beyond what most people can imagine.

Ministry to the fatherless has no vacation, no salary, no furlough, and it all happens right in your own home. It’s messy and it spills over into every aspect of your life. If your husband is a man who likes things organized and predictable, it can be supremely uncomfortable – and that is what makes it all the more glorious.

We have an opportunity to do something so far outside of our natural inclinations that we are stretched, broken, and made into something new. My husband is becoming more like Christ; Russ is being born into the person God wants him to be.

So all of you out there loving the fatherless – you are audacious – you are amazing. May the Lord give you strength today to do his will and love the children he has brought into your lives. And as our pastor said yesterday, when we get to end of our lives, let’s stand before the Lord able to say, “I’ve got nothing left. I gave it everything I had.”

I have a Russ – he is introverted, analytical, and was brought up in a family where change was feared. He is amazing for being willing to step into adoption. He continues to amaze me with his sacrifices, and facing the challenges of 2 kids who aren't predictable, and need more than we ever imagined. But God is good through all of it, and your writing today is such an encouragement after a rough morning with the youngest. What is it with the repetitive annoying noises 🙂

My daughter directed me to your post, it is her father you wrote about. My man is brave and big hearted too, bless all those moms and dads who open their tents wide for the children without homes.It is a big battle to engage in .
This is my first time to read your posts and it is beautiful and rich.

"I will not give to the Lord, that which cost me nothing.' is what I repeat to myself, sometimes through gritted teeth as I choose to love, and give, and give, and give past what I thought I could. I love this picture of a sacrifice of praise, giving everything we have to the Lord through loving those He sets before us. It frames the challenge with beautiful purpose, and lifts my gaze to God's pleasure at my efforts.

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Mentoring adoptive and foster moms with practical help and hope.I serve families by providing practical tools and hope through parent coaching, marriage mentoring, teaching, speaking, and writing. As a mom of 12 by birth and adoption (and more through foster care), wife of 34 years, and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner, I’m honored to walk alongside you as you navigate your family’s unique journey.

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